Oasis Aeolid

Oasis Aeolid
Name: Oasis Aeolid
Scientific Name: Bulbaeolidia oasis
Other Names: White Aeolidiella (Aeolidiella alba)
Family: Aeolid Nudibranchs
Taxonomic: Aeolidiidae
ID Group: Nudibranchs, Sea Slugs, Sea Hares
Size: up to 0.5 in.
Depth Range: In shallow waters (0 – 15 ft.)
Sightings: Seen very rarely

The Oasis Aeolid has a broad, flat creamy-white body and a wide rounded head. Its many short body extensions are slightly swollen, curve upward and form about fourteen groups along each side. Their tips may have small red-brown spots, while the rear groups can show brown marbling. A bright red spot sits behind the head feelers. The feelers are brownish with pale tips, swollen sections and faint reddish bands.

The Oasis Aeolid lives among mixed algae, sandy rubble and rocks. It mainly eats sea anemones and may also feed on the egg masses of Elysia sea slugs. When moving, it crawls with short jerks while its head feelers and rear body extensions rock back and forth.